Advice from E34 owners please

Post Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:54 pm

Hi all. Im off to look at a 525i sport 1995 N plate tommorow. I do not know too much about these M50 engines so any info on what to look out for would be appreciated. any common places i should be looking for rust? Its done 165K with full service history, most of which is by BMW. Is this mileage a tad too much? Any info what so ever would be very benifitial to me. Thanks in advance.

Post Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:17 pm

Hi, Start it from cold to see if the tappets are noisey. Check for rust on the doors and front wings and also round the number plate lights. Drive it and see if there is knocking from the back if there is the axle beam mounts will need to be replaced ask if they have been done. See if the air con works.
Is it a black one with 1/2 leather ?
Here is mine.

Post Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:21 pm

Front suspension is worth a check- has upper and lower balljoints/arm, can be a bitch to replace

Check for fuel leaks too-esp near the diff.

Post Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:12 pm

ed325i wrote:Hi, Start it from cold to see if the tappets are noisey. Check for rust on the doors and front wings and also round the number plate lights. Drive it and see if there is knocking from the back if there is the axle beam mounts will need to be replaced ask if they have been done. See if the air con works.
Is it a black one with 1/2 leather ?
Here is mine.

Hi mate thanks for the info. I will look out for the points suggested. Yes it's the black one with half leather. You know much about it?

Post Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:15 pm

also golden rule watch for the water pumps with plastic impellor, i had a e34 525i and when it went it was a bitch to bleed so check on its status

Post Sat Feb 10, 2007 4:14 pm

Do it! Best e34 after the M5 i reckon.

This is mine:

Post Sat Feb 10, 2007 8:43 pm

looks like the kid next door likes yours conan!!!!

also watch for wandering at speed as they get through subframe bushes quite quickly. not a hard job for a good garage to do but keep Ã‚£150 spare as it's time consuming.

rust areas around the fuel filler and rear arches were common while i was looking for a good one.

if you do get one, you need these:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... hlight=bbs